Woman to run four marathons after lung collapse

A woman with a rare lung disease has shared the long journey she has been on since her lung collapsed after a gym session.

Harriet Davidson, from Bristol, was rushed to hospital seven years ago and diagnosed with lymphangioleiomyatosis - also known as LAM disease - at the age of 24.

"I had a tough time coming to grips with the diagnosis at that point, being the age I was and the lockdown. I didn't know what it meant to have a normal life again off the back of being diagnosed," Davidson said.

But she said she now felt strong and wanted to do something positive by challenging herself to run four marathons in four days.

LAM is an incurable disease which affects about 300 women in the UK and is characterised by cysts in the lung.

Oestrogen can make it worse over time and it can lead to a severe decline in lung function. Patients could either need a lung transplant or experience early death.

"In the first few months I was in denial. I didn't want to research it, I didn't want to know it very well because it would mean it was real.

"It's been a really long journey but I've gotten to the point where I can see a positive outcome and I feel a lot more safe," Davidson said.

She now takes medication to stabilise her lung function and has challenged herself to run four marathons in four days with her husband, starting on 25 February - their third wedding anniversary.

"I decided I really wanted to bring some positivity into the disease and how I was coping," she said.

And although she felt anxious at first, she said her confidence had grown.

"I feel really strong. I understand my body is capable of a lot more than I thought," she added.

A spokesperson from the National Centre for LAM at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust described Davidson's determination as "inspiring".

"For someone living with LAM taking on four marathons in four days is an extraordinary personal challenge.

"LAM is a variable disease that affects lung function and can cause breathlessness, fatigue and complications such as pneumothorax, often limiting exercise capacity.

"While not everyone with LAM would be able to undertake such an endurance event, her determination is inspiring and highlights the individuality of people living with the condition," they added.

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